People urged to Ride for Life at Thetford Forest

Supporters launch the EACH fundraiser Ride for Life at Santon Downham. Photograph Simon Parker

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Organisers of an annual fundraiser which is celebrating its 20th anniversary are hoping for a record-breaking year.

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Ride for Life, the biggest fundraising event hosted by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (Each), is set to return to Thetford Forest on May 19.

The event will see hundreds of cyclists and walkers at Santon Downham, raising money to provide care and support to life-threatened children and their families.

Over the past 19 years, Ride for Life has raised more than £775,000 – and in its 20th year, it is hoped that £50,000 will be raised to pay for two nurses for a year to help with the charity’s ever-increasing demand.

Laura Shearing, Each Norfolk fundraiser, said: “Ride for Life is such a great way to raise funds and we’re hoping this year’s 20th anniversary event will be even bigger and better than before.

“Our sincere thanks go to absolutely everyone who has either taken part, helped to organise, or volunteered over the years. We want to continue this great fundraising legacy and raise £50k this year.

“There will be something for everyone and we hope to inspire past and new participants to sign up and take part for a vital cause.”

To take part in Ride for Life, which is organised in partnership with Cycling Club Breckland and The Foresty Commission, people can choose to do a three or nine mile forest walk, a 10 or 25 mile off-road cycle ride or a 19 or 35 mile road cycle ride.

People can also do two or three laps of the 35 mile road route if they want to set themselves a greater challenge.

At the end of the ride or walk, there will be stalls, refreshments and entertainment on Santon Downham’s village green.

This year’s event is once again being sponsored by Snetterton-based Johnston Logistics UK, a provider of customs and excise warehousing, and supported by the Eastern Daily Press.

Entry costs £10 for adult cyclists or £5 for children aged under 13, £6 for adult walkers or £4 for children aged five to 16. Children aged under five can take part in the walk for free. A family entry for £24 is available for the cycle rides.

To sign up, call 01953 666767 or go to www.each.org.uk/rideforlife.

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1 comment

Would be great if they have the motorcycle riders back to take part in this too, they used to create some great routes in the forest to cycle afterwards.